Hypertension – Introduction

HyperTension

 

Every year May 17th is dedicated to World Hypertension Day (WHD).  The purpose of WHD is to promote public awareness of hypertension.  In keeping with the spirit of the day, I am going to blog about Hypertension throughout May.

So what is Hypertension?

It is a stage of great psychological stress which causes abnormally high blood pressure.  The graphic to the left, indicates what is considered, low, normal, pre-high blood pressure and high blood pressure.

We all know that if we go to the GP they check our blood pressure, but why is it so important?

Firstly high blood pressure or hypertension is very common, according to the NHS it affects 1 in 4 adults in the UK.  Secondly it has no symptoms hence it is often referred to as the silent killer.   Thirdly it is the simply most significant risk factor for a range of diseases including:

  1. heart disease
  2. congestive heart failure
  3. stroke
  4. kidney disease
  5. dementia

The good news is that high blood pressure or hypertension is very easy to treat with mediation.  In addition there are a wide variety of lifestyle changes and therapy treatments that may assist hypertension.

Read part 2

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